Epstein controversy resurfaces, pressuring Republican candidates in key races

Campaign-ad tracking shows Democrats have invested $53 million in advertisements that reference Jeffrey Epstein, while Republican spending on the same theme totals about $3 million. The messaging focuses on Republican officials who initially resisted legislation to make the Epstein files public and on candidates who took money from donors linked to Epstein, including billionaire Les Wexner. Iowa Senate candidate Ashley Hinson released a family-focused ad to deny any association after Democrats spent $8.5 million highlighting her donor ties.

In Ohio, $5.2 million of Democratic ads target Senator Jon Husted for contributions from Epstein-connected individuals. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall and other GOP figures have also been reminded of past opposition to the file release, and protestors have appeared at several Republican events in battleground states.